Unseen McQueen: New Artwork Celebrates Alexander McQueen Retrospective

LONDON, March 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, American Express unveils a striking new tableaux created by acclaimed international fashion photographer Nick Knight, OBE, using unseen photography captured backstage at the iconic 2004 American Express: McQueen Black Event. The commission celebrates American Express' support of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

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This spectacular piece, entitled 'Black' [video here], is a stunning snapshot of McQueen's work as showcased at the unique 2004 event, which was co-hosted and curated by Alexander McQueen.

Using material shot backstage at the event, Knight has created an unique tableaux showcasing the 35 breathtaking outfits modelled by Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Gemma Ward and Lily Cole amongst others, representing the full breadth of McQueen's vision.

The American Express: McQueen Black Event saw McQueen show in London for the first time in several seasons and kicked off with a dramatic showcase of black pieces; some from the archive and others designed specifically for the night.

At the event, Nick Knight was asked by McQueen to photograph each model backstage with a view to creating a composite image for the future; a vision that, 11 years on, has now been realised.

Nick Knight comments: "McQueen and I knew we had the ingredients to make an incredible image. Now to coincide with the opening of Savage Beauty at the V&A, it has been a fantastic opportunity to partner once again with American Express, immerse myself in the project and finally produce the image to honour him in a unique way."

Lisa Gregg, Vice President, American Express, says: "Our partnership with the V&A and the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty retrospective has given us an exciting opportunity to work with Nick again and to commission this beautiful image, which is a wonderful tribute to our past collaborations with McQueen."

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty will be at the V&A, London until 2 August in partnership with Swarovski and supported by American Express. For more information visit Americanexpress.com

About American Express 

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives, offer peace of mind and help build business success. For more information visit americanexpress.com.

About Nick Knight 

Knight is among the world's most influential photographers as well as being Director and founder of SHOWstudio.com the fashion and art internet broadcasting channel. A long-time collaborator with McQueen, Knight captured photography at 2004 American Express: McQueen Black Event.